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Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Significance of Resume /CV

A Resume/CV is an important document since success of a candidate in getting shortlisted and securing a job greatly depends on its contents and quality. The starting point in clinching a job is the drafting of an appropriate Resume/CV. Most employers receive a large number of Resumes, but it is only those select few that are written concisely and briefly, highlighting the skills and experience acquired that catch the attention of the employer. A Resume should be written in such a language as to arouse added interest in the mind of the employer to meet the candidate in person. If you wish to be amongst those short-listed, it is important that your Resume/CV stands out amongst the thousands that pour-in.

Preparation of a Resume/CV

As far as preparation of CV is concerned, there is no standardized format for it. It may vary in its content and form depending upon the nature of job applied for. However, some of the common guidelines for preparation of a CV are listed below.

1. Do not write a CV of more than two pages. Too long a CV does not lend itself to full readability. At the same time it should not be so sketchy that it would induce a negative response from the employer. Studies reveal that employers do not spend more than ten seconds to look at a CV.

2. A CV must be neatly typed/printed but never hand-written.

3. Don’t use flowery English by writing complex and unfamiliar words. Avoid using long-winded sentences and paragraphs. A CV is best written and easily comprehended when presented in simple English.

4. Avoid usage of pronouns like, I, Me, My etc. as much as possible.

5. Start with the objective, highlighting your knowledge, personal qualities special skills etc. Continue with experience acquired with full details i.e., job title, period, responsibilities and special achievements if any, in descending order. Give a brief description of your current job stating how you made a difference to the success and growth of the organization in qualitative and quantitative terms. Aim to connect your skills to your job history. Also, mention the skills you now have to the job you are applying for.

6. List out your academic and professional qualifications. At the end, add other personal information such as date of birth, address, telephone number etc.

7. Make sure that there are no spelling and grammatical mistakes in your CV. A CV having such mistakes is very repulsive to the employer and he may just put it away in the rejected lot.

Interview

Importance of Interview

In the whole process for ultimate selection for a job, the interview plays the most important part. It is only in the interview that a candidate can prove his edge over others. The primary purpose for the interview is to enable the employer to get a deeper insight into the professional acumen of the candidate and also to probe into his personality. It is an area which continues to haunt the candidate till final selection is made by the employer. Studies reveal that only 10 percent of the applicants are called for the interview, hence, the importance to face it successfully needs special preparation. Most of the candidates fear facing an interview. This happens only due to inadequate preparation. If a candidate has done thorough preparation, he will find the interview phase an enjoyable experience.

Preparation for an Interview

A few salient points which will help a candidate to prepare for a successful interview are listed below:-

1. Effective Communication. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely plays a very significant role in the interview. To achieve this, one must develop effective power of expression through regular reading and conversation/discussion with friends as much as possible. This will lead to improved vocabulary and ultimately help the candidate in choosing right words while giving answers to the questions asked by the employer.

2. Professional Knowledge. It is essential to keep oneself abreast with the latest developments in the professional field. This requires regular updating through continued reading of professionally related literature and surfing through internet and constant involvement in matters concerning your professional area.

3. Company & Job Profile. Most of the large companies have their own web-site. Know as much as you can about the company and the job offered. Update technical knowledge essential for performing the job. Work yourself up to be suitable for the job.

4. General Awareness. Employers give a lot of emphasis to this aspect. In order to be able to keep oneself aware of the general happenings in the country and the rest of the world, one must form a habit of reading newspapers, books, periodicals etc.

5. Job Experience. Although this has been already included in your Resume/CV, an employer will definitely ask questions related to this aspect to reassess his judgement about your suitability for the job. A candidate must be fully prepared to answer questions related to his job performance, work environment, outstanding achievements, reasons for leaving present job, why he considers himself suitable for the job applied for etc. One must be fully aware of his strengths and weaknesses and be ready to capitalize on his strengths when the opportunity arises.

6. Personal Qualities. Employers look for leaders who stand out amongst others and possess qualities like initiative, drive, honesty, integrity, loyalty, courage etc. These are judged from the responses given by the candidate to the questions asked by the interviewer. Hence, a candidate must make it a point to present them effectively during the course of interview.

7. Appearance & Bearing. The first impression a candidate makes is by his appearance. Although employers are unlikely to get carried away by appearance alone, yet they cannot ignore impressive bearing. While you can not change the way you look, but you definitely can make a positive impact on the interviewer through a good physique and pleasant disposition. It is therefore, essential to take regular exercise to remain slim and trim, not to be fat and have a clean mind.

8. Academic Career. Special distinctions achieved by you in your educational career will hold you in good stead all along. Be prepared to highlight these when the occasion demands.

Useful Tips for Interview

Having done the preparation for the interview, what follows next is the conduct during the interview. Appended below are some of the useful tips to be observed during the interview phase.

1. Punctuality. Do not be late for the interview. It is advisable to reach the place of interview at least fifteen minutes before the appointed time.

2. Dress Code. Proper dress makes a strong impact. Do not wear flashy or casual dress. In winters, a lounge suit is advised and in summer, a pant and shirt with tie will be appropriate. Be well groomed and have a neat shave.

3. Don’t be Nervous. Hold no fears in facing an interviewer. If you have done adequate preparation for the interview you will have a smooth sailing.

4. Be Truthful. Do not bluff. It you are not sure of an answer, just say ‘I do not know’.

5. Attitude. Do not be casual. Project a professional and enthusiastic image. Your aim is to convince the interviewer that you would be an asset to the company and not a liability.

6. Shaking Hands. Do not extend your arm for a handshake unless offered by the interviewer. While shaking hands, make sure that it is done warmly and firmly without making the grip too strong.

7. Mannerism.

(a) Avoid undesirable gestures. Body language plays a crucial role. Do not make excessive hand gestures.
(b) Do not sit unless offered a seat. Sit straight on the chair with hands in the lap. Do not be fidgety.
(c) Do not try to be familiar with the interviewer.
(d) Do not be aggressive or emotional. Do not get into any argument. Be polite and courteous.
(e) Do not be too loud but you must be audible. Do not speak too fast.
(f) Make eye contact when you speak. Do not look downwards, sideways or outside the window.
(g) Be at ease. Feel confident. Remain calm and maintain a pleasant disposition.

FAQs

Q 1. Who can register with AFA Placement Cell?

A 1. All ex-Air Force Personnel can register themselves with the Placement Cell.

Q 2. How is the Registration done?

A 2. Through filling up the online registration form and submitting it alongwith a copy of Resume/CV.

Q 3. When can one register?

A 3. Anytime after retirement or one month before the date of discharge from service.

Q 4. Does one need to produce any documents for registration?

A 4. No.

Q 5. Is there any fee for registration?

A 5. No.

Q 6. Is the submission of a Resume/CV essential for registration?

A 6. Yes.

Q 7. Does one have to be a member of AFA to register with the Placement Cell?

A 7. No. One need not necessarily be a member of AFA to register with the Placement Cell.

Q 8. For jobs arranged through Placement Cell does one have to pay any charges? If so, how much?

A 8. The candidates employed through Placement Cell are required to donate 15 days gross salary. The amount thus donated is utilized for the welfare of Ex-Air Force Personnel. It is to be paid by crossed cheque favouring ‘Air Force Association’. No cash is to be transacted under any circumstances.

Q 9. Do the AFA branches also have Placement Cell?

A 10. Presently, not all branches have Placement Cells. Such Cells exist at Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata and Kanpur. However, registration form and Resume/CV can be submitted at any of the branches of AFA.